Discover the underwater world of macroinvertebrates. Explore Dairy Stream as it flows through The Dairy Springhouse at the Hampton Natl Historic Site Farm. NHSM volunteers who will show participants how to catch and identify macroinvertebrates. Learn how these small insects and crustaceans help indicate stream health. Suitable for ages 6 and up. All equipment will be provided. Wear rain boots, water shoes, or sneakers that can get wet and muddy.
Macroinvertebrates are organisms that are large (macro) enough to be seen with the naked eye and lack a backbone (invertebrate). They inhabit all types of running waters, from fast-flowing mountain streams to slow-moving muddy rivers. Examples of aquatic macroinvertebrates include insects (in their adult, larval, or nymph forms), mollusks, crustaceans, and worms. Most of them live part or part of their life cycle attached to submerged rocks, logs, vegetation, or else in soft sediment. Aquatic macroinvertebrates serve multiple functions in freshwater ecosystems. In addition to their role as primary consumers processing live organic material, they also serve as detritivores, consuming decomposing organic matter; predators, consuming macroinvertebrates and other small organisms; and prey, serving as food for fish, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic birds, and mammals.
Stream Days will occur on the fourth Sunday through summer- May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, and September 24. Come see how the stream changes through the seasons.